One of the goals of the Ten Days of Celebration and Observance of the “Spirit of Emancipation” is to conduct and anchor intergenerational transfer of knowledge, information and accurate history of economic slavery of the African people brought here on ships across the Atlantic Ocean and sold as property.The theme of the “Spirit of Emancipation” Celebration is “FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM TO EDUCATION TO ACHIEVEMENT.”Exploration of this theme in many dimensions and venues represents a large part of the ten days of celebration – set aside from June 9 – 19 annually in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.Involvement of the children and youth of the community is a significant part of this.The Solomon M. Coles Awards Banquet recognizes and honors ALL African American high school graduates for the year and honorsthe achievements of African Americans and others who have contributed to the development of Corpus Christi and the development of the African American community over the years since slavery was ended with the June 19, 1865“putting” of the Emancipation Proclamation ofJanuary 1, 1863 at Galveston, Texas to free the remaining slaves in Texas and end economic slavery and ownership of human beings as property.

Each year the Greenwood Library sets aside numerous books, magazines, periodicals and journals relating to slavery, emancipation, and the evolution of African Americans in the United States of America and especially in Texas.Other libraries have references also which are available.Children, Youth, their families, their church leaders and advisors and organizational leaders of our young are encouraged to explore the concepts of slavery, freedom, education and achievement, and how they relate to the celebration of JUNETEENTH.

As a tangible expression and motivation to have this exploration,the Juneteenth Coalition in consultation with educators,elected leaders in local and county government,media participants,church leaders and organizations as well as children and youth in the Corpus Christi area, developed theprogram to have children and youthexpress their understandings and feelings about the theme in the form of making an original poster that expressed this.The posters would all be done at the same time at SolomonM.ColesAlternativeHigh School, without assistance from anyone else,. They would then be judgedby community adults, top two – first and second place selected for the two categories of (1)kindergarten – fifth grade; and (2) six – twelve grades.The prizes are: $100 first prize in each category, and $ 50 second prize in each category.

The 2009 Prizes were sponsored by NuecesCounty Commissioner MikePusley, from Precent One,and consisted of a Gift Cardof the prize valuefor use at Walmart for the winners.